Drama (1945) 67 minutes ~ Black & White
In flashback, New York nightclub pianist Al Roberts hitchhikes to Hollywood to join his girl Sue. On a rainy night, the sleazy gambler he's riding with mysteriously dies; afraid of the police, Roberts takes the man's identity. But thanks to a blackmailing dame, Roberts' every move plunges him deeper into trouble...
Director: Edgar G. Ulmer
Writers: Martin Goldsmith (screenplay and original story) and Martin Mooney
Stars: Tom Neal, Ann Savage, Claudia Drake, Edmund MacDonald
We have over 15,000 titles available for licensing to VOD platforms. Contact: sales@echelonstudios.us
In flashback, New York nightclub pianist Al Roberts hitchhikes to Hollywood to join his girl Sue. On a rainy night, the sleazy gambler he's riding with mysteriously dies; afraid of the police, Roberts takes the man's identity. But thanks to a blackmailing dame, Roberts' every move plunges him deeper into trouble...
Director: Edgar G. Ulmer
Writers: Martin Goldsmith (screenplay and original story) and Martin Mooney
Stars: Tom Neal, Ann Savage, Claudia Drake, Edmund MacDonald
We have over 15,000 titles available for licensing to VOD platforms. Contact: sales@echelonstudios.us
Category
🎥
Short filmTranscript
00:00:00♪♪
00:00:05♪♪
00:00:12♪♪
00:00:19♪♪
00:00:26♪♪
00:00:36♪♪
00:00:46♪♪
00:00:56♪♪
00:01:06♪♪
00:01:16♪♪
00:01:24Well, here we are.
00:01:25A turn down here at the next block.
00:01:27Thanks, mister.
00:01:28I'll get off there.
00:01:30♪♪
00:01:36Want anything else?
00:01:38No.
00:01:39Hey, you.
00:01:40♪♪
00:01:43Me?
00:01:44Yeah, you.
00:01:45Where you heading?
00:01:47East.
00:01:49You're dead.
00:01:50I thought if you was heading north,
00:01:51I might be able to help you out.
00:01:53I'm pushing this old lake and I don't like
00:01:54to ride it alone at night.
00:01:56I'm one of those guys that gotta talk
00:01:57or I fall asleep.
00:01:59Oh, sure, you might.
00:02:00Pardon me, he's got Lou to keep company,
00:02:02but I ain't got nobody at all.
00:02:05Where you coming from?
00:02:07West.
00:02:07Yeah, sure, I know, but where, L.A.?
00:02:10Maybe.
00:02:11I got a cousin out in L.A.
00:02:12You don't say.
00:02:13Yeah, he's been out.
00:02:16You're not much of a talker, are you?
00:02:17My mother taught me never to speak to strangers.
00:02:19Oh, a wise guy.
00:02:20So what?
00:02:21Okay, okay, don't get sore.
00:02:23He's trying to be sociable, that's all.
00:02:27Hey, Glamorous.
00:02:28Let's change for a dime, will you?
00:02:40Let's have something quieter this time, Joe.
00:02:42My head's splitting.
00:02:43Is that what's wrong with it?
00:02:47Done with your coffee?
00:02:49No, and don't rush me, will you?
00:02:52Hey, turn that off, will you turn that thing off?
00:02:54What's eating you now?
00:02:55Yeah, what's eating you?
00:02:56That music, it stinks.
00:02:57Oh, you don't like it, huh?
00:02:58No, turn it off.
00:02:59Now, wait a minute, pal.
00:03:00That was my name, see?
00:03:02This is a free country, and I play whatever I wanted.
00:03:07Okay, sure, and if you don't like it,
00:03:09you don't have to listen to it,
00:03:10and you can leave here any time you want to.
00:03:12Okay, okay, I'm sorry I asked.
00:03:14First good piece played tonight, and you don't like it.
00:03:16I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
00:03:20First good piece played tonight, and you don't like it.
00:03:22Some people just ain't got any good taste.
00:03:36That tune, that tune!
00:03:39Why was there always that rotten tune?
00:03:41Following me around, beating in my head, never letting up.
00:03:45Did you ever want to forget anything?
00:03:47Did you ever want to cut away a piece of your memory
00:03:49or blot it out?
00:03:51You can't, you know, no matter how hard you try.
00:03:54You can change the scenery, but sooner or later
00:03:57you'll get a whiff of perfume or somebody will say
00:03:59a certain phrase or maybe hum something.
00:04:02Then you're licked again.
00:04:05I can't believe that you're in love with me.
00:04:08I used to love that song once.
00:04:10So did the customers back in the old break of dawn.
00:04:13I can't remember a night when I didn't get
00:04:15at least three requests for it.
00:04:17Sue, she was always selling it too.
00:04:20Those were the days.
00:04:43Your eyes are blue, your kiss is too.
00:04:47I never knew what they could do.
00:04:50I can't believe that you're in love with me.
00:04:56You're telling everyone you know that I'm on your mind
00:05:00each place you go.
00:05:02They can't believe that you're in love with me.
00:05:07I have always placed you far above me.
00:05:12I just can't imagine that you love me.
00:05:18And after all is said and done, to think
00:05:22that I'm the lucky one.
00:05:24I can't believe that you're in love with me.
00:05:29And after all is said and done, to think
00:05:32that I'm the lucky one.
00:05:34I can't believe that you're in love with me.
00:05:46It wasn't much of a club really.
00:05:48You know the kind.
00:05:49A joint where you could have a sandwich and a few drinks
00:05:52and run interference for your girl on the dance floor.
00:05:56I planted the piano in there every night
00:05:58from 8 until the place closed up.
00:06:00Which usually meant 4 in the morning.
00:06:02A good job as jobs went in those days.
00:06:08Then too, there was Sue.
00:06:11Who made working there a little like working in heaven.
00:06:15But how we felt about each other, well
00:06:17there was nothing very unusual in that.
00:06:19I was an ordinary healthy guy
00:06:21and she was an ordinary healthy girl.
00:06:23When you put those two together
00:06:24you get an ordinary healthy romance.
00:06:26Which is the old story.
00:06:28Sure, but somehow
00:06:30the most wonderful thing in the world.
00:06:40All in all, I was a pretty lucky guy.
00:06:53Mr. Paderewski, I presume.
00:06:55It's beautiful.
00:06:56You're going to make Carnegie Hall yet, Al?
00:06:58Yeah, as a janitor.
00:07:01I'll make my debut in the basement.
00:07:03I don't blame you for being bitter, darling
00:07:05but you mustn't give up hope.
00:07:07Why, someday...
00:07:08Yeah, someday.
00:07:09If I don't get arthritis first.
00:07:11In the meantime, let's blow this trap.
00:07:23You like to get something to eat, hon?
00:07:25Oh, I don't think so, Al.
00:07:26I lose my appetite working in this flea bag.
00:07:29Let's go home.
00:07:30Okay.
00:07:32I can't stand much more of that dump.
00:07:35Did you see that drunk tonight, trying to paw me?
00:07:38No, what drunk?
00:07:39Does it matter what drunk?
00:07:42Say, what's the matter with you?
00:07:44I don't know.
00:07:45I don't know.
00:07:46I don't know.
00:07:47I don't know.
00:07:48I don't know.
00:07:49I don't know.
00:07:50I don't know.
00:07:51I don't know.
00:07:52Say, what's the matter with you tonight, darling?
00:07:54That's the third time you've started to tell me something
00:07:56and then stopped.
00:07:58We shouldn't have any secrets from each other, Sue.
00:08:00Next week, we're going to make with a ring and a license.
00:08:02You and me will be a team.
00:08:03Yes, that's right.
00:08:04In the Bush League.
00:08:06I don't get you.
00:08:07We've been struck out.
00:08:10That's a funny way to talk, darling.
00:08:12Don't you want to marry me?
00:08:13Al, look, I love you.
00:08:14You know I do.
00:08:15And I want to marry you.
00:08:17But?
00:08:18But not now.
00:08:19Only after we've made good.
00:08:22Sunday, I'm going away.
00:08:24Oh, I know you'll think it's silly.
00:08:26That's why I hesitated to tell you.
00:08:28But I'm going to California.
00:08:30I want to try my luck in Hollywood.
00:08:33That's the most stupid thing I ever heard of.
00:08:35Don't you know millions of people go out there every year
00:08:37and wind up polishing cuspid doors?
00:08:39I thought you had better sense.
00:08:40You sound as if you don't think I have any talent.
00:08:42That has nothing to do with it.
00:08:43I'll make out all right.
00:08:44Maybe.
00:08:45But what about me?
00:08:46Doesn't it mean anything to you that you're
00:08:48going to stop all our plans?
00:08:49We may not see each other for years.
00:08:50It won't be that long.
00:08:52I thought you loved me.
00:08:53I do.
00:08:54You know I do.
00:08:58Well, here we are.
00:09:03Al.
00:09:05Al, why can't you see my side of it?
00:09:08I'm young.
00:09:09We both are.
00:09:11And we've got all the time in the world to settle down.
00:09:15Really, darling.
00:09:16What I'm doing is the only sane thing to do.
00:09:20I hate the thought of being so far away from you.
00:09:23But we'll be together again someday.
00:09:27Maybe you'll decide to come out too later on.
00:09:30So long.
00:09:31Al, aren't you going to kiss me good night?
00:09:36Sure.
00:09:37Why not?
00:09:40Good night.
00:09:46Good night.
00:10:16Good night.
00:10:46Good night.
00:11:16Say, Roberts, you hit the jackpot this time.
00:11:1910 bucks.
00:11:21Thanks.
00:11:28So when this drunk handed me a 10 spot after a request,
00:11:31I couldn't get very excited.
00:11:32What was it, I asked myself?
00:11:34A piece of paper crawling with germs.
00:11:36Couldn't believe it.
00:11:37I thought I was going to die.
00:11:39I thought I was going to die.
00:11:41I thought I was going to die.
00:11:43I thought I was going to die.
00:11:45Couldn't buy anything I wanted.
00:11:47It couldn't...
00:11:52Then I thought of something.
00:12:15Long distance.
00:12:16I'd like to put a call through to Los Angeles.
00:12:19Miss Harvey.
00:12:20Sue Harvey.
00:12:21H-A-R-V-E-Y.
00:12:23The number is Crestview 65723.
00:12:4575...
00:12:52Hello, Sue?
00:12:53This is Al.
00:12:54Oh, baby, it's great to hear from you, too.
00:12:57What's that?
00:12:58You do?
00:12:59Oh, me too, darling.
00:13:00I thought I'd go batty without you.
00:13:02I just had to...
00:13:03Huh?
00:13:04You're working as a hashlinger?
00:13:06Gee, honey, that's tough.
00:13:08Those guys out in Hollywood don't know the real thing
00:13:10like I do.
00:13:11I'm going to have to get back to work.
00:13:13That's tough.
00:13:15Those guys out in Hollywood don't know the real thing
00:13:17when it's right in front of them.
00:13:19You just stick it out, Sue, baby.
00:13:21Keep going around to those casting offices.
00:13:23I'm sure you'll click.
00:13:24Look, I'll tell you what.
00:13:25You stay put out there.
00:13:26I'll come to you.
00:13:27No, don't try to stop me.
00:13:28Just expect me.
00:13:29Train?
00:13:30Who knows?
00:13:31Train, plane, bus, magic carpet.
00:13:33I'll be there if I have to crawl.
00:13:35If I have to travel by pogo stick.
00:13:37And then let's get married right away, huh?
00:13:41That's the stuff.
00:13:43That's what I've been wanting to hear you say.
00:13:46Well, goodbye for now.
00:13:49I'll be seeing you soon.
00:13:52Yeah.
00:13:54Bye.
00:14:00The only way I could cross country was to thumb rides.
00:14:03For even after hocking everything,
00:14:05I only had enough money to eat.
00:14:07Money.
00:14:08You know what that is.
00:14:10It's the stuff you never have enough of.
00:14:12Little green things with George Washington's picture
00:14:14that men slave for, commit crimes for, die for.
00:14:19It's the stuff that has caused more trouble in the world
00:14:21than anything else we ever invented.
00:14:23Simply because there's too little of it.
00:14:26At least I had too little of it.
00:14:28So it was me for the thumb.
00:14:42Ever done any hitchhiking?
00:14:44It's not much fun, believe me.
00:14:46Oh yeah, I know all about how it's an education
00:14:49and how you get to meet a lot of people and all that.
00:14:52But me?
00:14:53From now on, I'll take my education in college.
00:14:56Or in PS62, or I'll send a $1.98 in stamps
00:14:59for ten easy lessons.
00:15:01Thumbing rides may save your bus fare.
00:15:03But it's dangerous.
00:15:05You never know what's in store for you.
00:15:07You hear the squeal of brakes.
00:15:10If only I had known what I was getting into
00:15:12that day in Arizona.
00:15:16You gotta throw that in the back seat.
00:15:18I'll get it.
00:15:19I'll get it.
00:15:20I'll get it.
00:15:21I'll get it.
00:15:22I'll get it.
00:15:23I'll get it.
00:15:24I'll get it.
00:15:25I'll get it.
00:15:26I'll get it.
00:15:27I'll get it.
00:15:28I'll get it.
00:15:29I'll get it.
00:15:30Throw that in the back seat.
00:15:34Okay, let's go.
00:15:35Make sure that door is closed.
00:15:50You know, Emily Post taught to write a book of rules
00:15:52for guys thumbing rides.
00:15:54Because as it is now, you never know
00:15:56what's right and what's wrong.
00:15:58We rode along for a little while.
00:16:00Neither one of us saying anything.
00:16:02I was glad of that.
00:16:04I never know what to say to strange people
00:16:06driving cars.
00:16:08And two, you can never tell if a guy wants to talk.
00:16:11A lot of rides have been cut short
00:16:13because of a big mouth.
00:16:15So I kept my mouth shut
00:16:17until he started opening up.
00:16:20Hand me that little box in the compartment,
00:16:22will you, pal?
00:16:24Hold the wheel, will you?
00:16:37How far are you going?
00:16:38L.A.
00:16:39Wow, you're really traveling, aren't you?
00:16:41Yeah, but I don't expect to make it for a couple of years
00:16:43at the rate I've been promoting rides.
00:16:45Not much luck, huh?
00:16:46Sure, all bad.
00:16:48Not many people stop for a guy these days.
00:16:50Afraid of a stick-up, maybe.
00:16:52Well, you can't blame him.
00:16:54Where are you coming from?
00:16:55New York.
00:16:56Well, New York.
00:16:58You're in luck this time.
00:16:59I'm going all the way.
00:17:01Right through to Los Angeles.
00:17:03Can you drive a car?
00:17:05Sure.
00:17:06Whenever you're tired, let me know.
00:17:08I'll holler.
00:17:10I guess at least an hour passed
00:17:12before I noticed those deep scratches
00:17:14on his right hand.
00:17:15They were wicked.
00:17:17Three puffy red lines about a quarter of an inch apart.
00:17:20He must have seen me looking at them because he said,
00:17:23beauties, aren't they?
00:17:25They're going to be scars someday.
00:17:28What an animal.
00:17:30Whatever it was, it must have been pretty big and vicious
00:17:32to have done that.
00:17:33Right on both counts, New York.
00:17:35I was tussling with the most dangerous animal
00:17:37in the world, a woman.
00:17:40She must have been Tarzan's mate.
00:17:42Looks like you lost the bout.
00:17:44It certainly wasn't a draw.
00:17:47You know, there ought to be a law against dames with claws.
00:17:50Yeah.
00:17:51I tossed her out of the car in her ear.
00:17:53Was I wrong?
00:17:55Give a lift to a tomato, you expect her to be nice,
00:17:57don't you?
00:17:58Yeah.
00:17:59After all, what kind of a dame some rides?
00:18:02Sunday school teachers?
00:18:03Yeah.
00:18:05A little witch.
00:18:07She must have thought she was riding with some fall guy.
00:18:10And me, who's been booking horses around race tracks
00:18:12since I was 20.
00:18:14I've known a million dames like her.
00:18:16Two million.
00:18:17Yeah.
00:18:20Stop the car, open the door.
00:18:23Take it on the Arthur Duffy sister, I told her.
00:18:25That's the stuff.
00:18:26As I was done, huh?
00:18:29But if you want to see a real scar, brother,
00:18:31get a load of this.
00:18:34Wow.
00:18:36I got that one dueling.
00:18:38Dueling?
00:18:39Yeah, we're just kidding, of course.
00:18:41My dad owned a couple of Franco Prussian savers.
00:18:43Kept them on the wall for decorations.
00:18:46Well, one day, another kid and I took them down.
00:18:48The old man wasn't around, had a duel.
00:18:52He got me in the arm here.
00:18:54Pretty mean cut.
00:18:56Infection set in later.
00:18:58Yeah, I can see that.
00:19:00Now give me that box again, will you?
00:19:02Yeah.
00:19:03The pain made me lose my head, I guess.
00:19:05I began slashing.
00:19:07Before I knew it, I'd put the other kid's eye on.
00:19:10That was tough.
00:19:12Well, it was just an accident, of course.
00:19:14Do you know how kids are?
00:19:16I got scared, decided I was going to run away from home.
00:19:19I was a little scared, but I got over it.
00:19:22I got over it.
00:19:23I got over it.
00:19:24I got over it.
00:19:25I got over it.
00:19:26I got over it.
00:19:27I got over it.
00:19:28I got over it.
00:19:29I got over it.
00:19:30I got over it.
00:19:31I got over it.
00:19:33Old man almost caught me when I was packing my duds.
00:19:37The bloody rag I had wrapped around my wrist
00:19:39hadn't caught his attention.
00:19:41He'd seen the bundle for sure.
00:19:44But I beat it when he was phoning for a doctor.
00:19:47That was 15, 16 years ago.
00:19:49I haven't been home since.
00:19:55Pull in there for a bite or something, huh?
00:19:57A bite or something?
00:19:59Brother, was I hungry.
00:20:01I hadn't had anything in my stomach for hours.
00:20:04Yet even with that gnawing in the pit of my belly,
00:20:06I didn't want to be in too big a rush to put on the feed bag.
00:20:09First, I had to make sure this guy knew the score.
00:20:12If I got him down on me, he'd buy a ticket to Hollywood.
00:20:16I'll wait out here for you, mister.
00:20:18If it's the money, don't worry about paying for it.
00:20:20This time, it's on me.
00:20:21Well, that's why I'm here.
00:20:22Haskell, take nothing of it.
00:20:23You make your first million, maybe you can do the same for me.
00:20:25Come on, New York.
00:20:26I got to make the West Coast by Wednesday.
00:20:28There's a horse running at Santa Anita named Powered Bicycle.
00:20:30He can stow it on me if I want him.
00:20:32He'll make it all right.
00:20:34He did most of the talking during the half hour
00:20:36we were in the place.
00:20:38I ate.
00:20:40He rambled on about his old man, whom he hadn't heard from
00:20:42since he ran away as a kid.
00:20:44And how he happened to become a bookie.
00:20:46And then all about how he got rooked in Miami.
00:20:49One race, 38 grand.
00:20:50They cleaned out my book.
00:20:52How do you like that?
00:20:53That was tough luck.
00:20:54Yeah, and I'm supposed to be the smart guy.
00:20:56Well, you just wait.
00:20:57I'm going back to Florida next season
00:20:58with all kinds of check.
00:20:59And you'll watch those stinkers run for cover.
00:21:02Want anything else?
00:21:03No, thanks.
00:21:04I've had plenty.
00:21:10That check there, sister?
00:21:11Mm-hmm.
00:21:15Oh, just a miniature change, sir.
00:21:17Keep it, sister.
00:21:18Oh, thank you, sir.
00:21:19Call again.
00:21:20I'll be waiting outside for you when you finish work.
00:21:22Oh.
00:21:23Sharp check, huh?
00:21:25Yes.
00:21:34I drove all that night while Haskell slept like a log.
00:21:37After a while, I began to get sleepy myself.
00:21:41I was happy, though.
00:21:43Soon I'd be with Sue again.
00:21:45The long trip was practically over
00:21:47and I'd be no more hoofing it down the concrete.
00:21:50I began to think of the future, which
00:21:53couldn't have been brighter if I'd
00:21:54embroidered it with neon lights.
00:21:56It was nice to think of Sue shooting to the top.
00:22:00It's amazing what a full belly can do to your imagination.
00:22:07Your eyes, oh, your kisses too.
00:22:12I never knew what they could do.
00:22:16I can't believe that you're in love with me.
00:22:23You're telling everyone you know.
00:22:28I'm on your mind each place you go.
00:22:32I can't believe that you're in love with me.
00:22:53Mr. Haskell.
00:22:56Mr. Haskell.
00:23:00Mr. Haskell, wake up.
00:23:01It's raining.
00:23:02Don't you think we ought to stop and put up the top?
00:23:13Mr. Haskell, I'm going to put up the top.
00:23:23I'm going to put up the top.
00:23:32Up until then, I had done things my way.
00:23:34But from then on, something else stepped in
00:23:36and shunted me off to a different destination
00:23:38than the one I had picked for myself.
00:23:40The one I pulled open that door.
00:23:47Mr. Haskell, what's the matter?
00:23:48Are you hurt?
00:23:50Are you hurt, Mr. Haskell?
00:23:52Start yourself.
00:23:54I'll listen to it.
00:23:55But I know what you're going to hand me
00:23:57even before you open your mouths.
00:23:59You're going to tell me you don't believe my story
00:24:01of how Haskell died and give me that
00:24:03don't make me laugh expression on your smug faces.
00:24:08I saw it once.
00:24:09He was dead.
00:24:10And I was in for it.
00:24:12Who would believe he fell out of the car?
00:24:14Why, if Haskell came too, which of course he couldn't,
00:24:16even he would swear I conked him over the head for his dough.
00:24:18Yes, I was in for it.
00:24:21My instinct told me to run.
00:24:22But then I realized it was hopeless.
00:24:24There were lots of people back down the road
00:24:25who could identify me.
00:24:26That gas station guy and the waitress.
00:24:28I would be in a worse spot then
00:24:29trying to explain why I beat it.
00:24:31The next possibility was to sit tight
00:24:33and tell the truth when the cops came.
00:24:34But that would be crazy.
00:24:36They'd laugh at the truth.
00:24:37And I'd have my head in the noose.
00:24:41So what else was there to do
00:24:42but hide the body and get away in the car?
00:24:44I couldn't leave the car there with him in the gully.
00:24:46That would be like erecting a tombstone.
00:24:51♪
00:25:16My idea was to cover him with brush,
00:25:18not to rob him.
00:25:19But then I remembered that even if I only drove the car for a hundred miles or so,
00:25:22I would need money for gas.
00:25:24Besides, it was stupid of me to leave all that money on a dead man.
00:25:28Not only that, I'd have to take his driver's license in case I was stopped for something.
00:25:34I didn't like to think about it, but by that time I'd done just what the police would say I did,
00:25:38even if I didn't.
00:25:40My clothes. The owner of such an expensive car would never be wearing them.
00:25:45Some cop might pull me in on suspicion.
00:25:49♪
00:26:13Hey you, this your car?
00:26:15Don't you know better than to leave a car with the wheels halfway in the middle of the road?
00:26:18That's just the way accidents happen.
00:26:20I'm sorry, officer. I was just putting up my top. I didn't think.
00:26:24Well, the next time, think.
00:26:26I'll let you go now, but watch your step in the future.
00:26:28I know that's a lonely stretch, but cars come by here once in a while and we have plenty of crack-ups.
00:26:32Thanks.
00:26:48♪
00:26:57I left nothing in the car to give me away as Roberts.
00:27:00If they found a dead man on the gully now, it would be me.
00:27:03♪
00:27:11As I drove off, it was still raining.
00:27:14The drop streaked down the windshield like tears.
00:27:19I kept imagining I was being followed, that I could hear sirens back in the distance.
00:27:24Just how long it took me to cover the 60-odd miles to the California state line, I don't know.
00:27:29I lost all track of time.
00:27:32But the rain had stopped and the sun was up when I pulled up to the inspection station.
00:27:40Hello.
00:27:42Carrying any fruits or vegetables?
00:27:44No.
00:27:45Any livestock or poultry?
00:27:46No.
00:27:48I'd like to see your registration and driver's license, please.
00:27:55Anything in the baggage compartment?
00:27:57What's baggage?
00:27:59Charles Haskell Jr.
00:28:01Age 30, brown eyes, dark hair.
00:28:03Identifying marks, none.
00:28:05Are you Charles Haskell Jr.?
00:28:07Yes.
00:28:08Well, remember, if you're employed and you stay over 30 days, you take out California plates.
00:28:11All right, officer, but I'll only be in the state a short while.
00:28:15Right, you can go now.
00:28:24I couldn't drive any farther without some sleep.
00:28:26Cops or no cops.
00:28:28I knew I had to hit the hay and hit it hard.
00:28:32I was dead tired.
00:28:41No.
00:29:05No.
00:29:07No, you can't, Mr. Haskell.
00:29:09No.
00:29:17Mr. Haskell.
00:29:19You can't die.
00:29:21Don't think...
00:29:23Don't think I did it.
00:29:25No, Mr. Haskell.
00:29:27No.
00:29:29No.
00:29:40Who's there?
00:29:42It's the maid.
00:29:44Can I come in and clean?
00:29:46Later.
00:29:48In a half hour.
00:29:50All right, sir.
00:30:10There was no time to lose.
00:30:12Every minute I had to be Charles Haskell was dangerous,
00:30:14and I'd have to be Charles Haskell until I got to some city
00:30:17where I could leave the car and be swallowed up.
00:30:24That meant driving the car as far as San Bernardino,
00:30:27maybe even to Los Angeles.
00:30:29In a little town, I might be noticed,
00:30:31but in a city, I should be safe enough.
00:30:33I'd have to be careful.
00:30:35In a little town, I might be noticed,
00:30:37but in a city, I should be safe enough.
00:30:40Then, after I ditched the car, I could go on to sue.
00:30:44But those five minutes at the state line
00:30:46made me realize it might be a good idea
00:30:48to find out a little bit about Mr. Haskell.
00:30:51Then, if anybody asked me questions,
00:30:53I could give the right answers.
00:30:55The first thing I found out was that I had $768.
00:30:59This was a lot of jack,
00:31:01but believe me,
00:31:03it was the kind of money I'd rather not have.
00:31:12And then I found out from a letter
00:31:14Haskell was carting around in his bag
00:31:16that he wasn't the open-handed, easy-going big shot
00:31:19who went around buying dinners for strange hitchhikers.
00:31:22Before I got done reading it, I saw him more as a chiseler.
00:31:26It was written to his old man in California,
00:31:29the one he hadn't seen in so many years.
00:31:31In it, Haskell posed as a salesman
00:31:33of hymnals, of all things.
00:31:37It was easy to see where Haskell expected
00:31:39to raise a new stake for his book in Miami,
00:31:42by rooking his old man.
00:31:45That was about all I found out from his effects,
00:31:48and it was enough.
00:31:50I told myself, maybe old man Haskell was lucky
00:31:53his son kicked off.
00:31:55He would never know it,
00:31:57but it saved him from taking a flyer
00:31:59in sacred literature preferred.
00:32:01♪
00:32:25Near the airport at Desert Center,
00:32:27I pulled up for water.
00:32:30There was a woman.
00:32:36Hey you, come on if you want a ride.
00:32:39♪
00:33:08♪
00:33:24How far are you going?
00:33:26How far are you going?
00:33:28That took me by surprise,
00:33:30and I turned my head to look her over.
00:33:32She was facing straight ahead, so I couldn't see her eyes.
00:33:35But she was young, not more than 24.
00:33:39Man, she looked as if she'd just been thrown
00:33:41off the crummiest freight train in the world.
00:33:44Yet in spite of this, I got the impression of beauty.
00:33:48Not the beauty of a movie actress, mind you,
00:33:50or the beauty you dream about when you're with your wife,
00:33:53but a natural beauty.
00:33:55A beauty that's almost homely because it's so real.
00:34:00Then suddenly she turned to face me.
00:34:02How far did you say you were going?
00:34:04Los Angeles.
00:34:05L.A.?
00:34:07L.A.'s good enough for me, mister.
00:34:09That's what I was afraid of.
00:34:11What'd you say?
00:34:12Oh nothing, just thinking out loud.
00:34:14People get in trouble for doing that.
00:34:17What's your name?
00:34:18You can call me Vera if you like.
00:34:20You live in Los Angeles?
00:34:22No.
00:34:24Where you coming from?
00:34:25Oh, back there.
00:34:26Needles?
00:34:27No.
00:34:29Oh sure, Phoenix.
00:34:30You look just like a Phoenix girl.
00:34:32Are the girls in Phoenix that bad?
00:34:34The girl must have been pretty tired
00:34:36because she fell asleep not 20 minutes after she stepped into the car.
00:34:40She lay sprawled out with her head resting against the far door,
00:34:43like Haskell.
00:34:45I didn't like that part of it much,
00:34:47but I didn't wake her up.
00:34:49It wasn't that this girl still worried me.
00:34:52I'd gotten over that funny feeling I had when she looked at me,
00:34:55which I put down as just my jangled nerves.
00:34:58With her eyes closed and the tenseness gone out of them,
00:35:01she seemed harmless enough.
00:35:03And instead of disliking her, I began to feel sorry for her.
00:35:07The poor kid probably had had a rough time of it.
00:35:11Who was she anyway?
00:35:13And why was she going to Los Angeles?
00:35:15And where'd she come from in the first place?
00:35:17The only thing I knew about her was her name.
00:35:20Not that it made any difference.
00:35:22A few hours more and we'd be in Hollywood.
00:35:24I'd forget where I parked the car and look up Sue.
00:35:27This nightmare of being a dead man would be over.
00:35:30Who this dame was, well, it was no business of mine.
00:35:33Where did you leave his body?
00:35:35Where did you leave the owner of this car?
00:35:37You're not fooling anyone.
00:35:39This buggy belongs to a guy named Haskell.
00:35:41That's not you, mister.
00:35:43You're out of your mind. That's my name, Charles Haskell.
00:35:45I can prove it. It's my driver's license.
00:35:47Save yourself the trouble, mister.
00:35:48Having Haskell's wallet only makes it worse.
00:35:50It just so happens I rode with Charlie Haskell
00:35:52all the way from Louisiana.
00:35:54He picked me up outside of Shreveport.
00:35:56You rode...
00:35:57You heard me.
00:35:58Then it all came back to me.
00:36:00All the talk about dueling and scars and scratches.
00:36:03There was no doubt about it.
00:36:05Vera must be the woman Haskell had mentioned.
00:36:08She must have passed me while I slept.
00:36:10Well?
00:36:12Well, I'm waiting.
00:36:13My goose was cooked.
00:36:15She had me.
00:36:17That Haskell guy wasn't dead yet.
00:36:19He wasn't stretched out stiff and cold in any Arizona gully.
00:36:22He was sitting right there in the car,
00:36:24laughing like mad while he haunted me.
00:36:27Well?
00:36:28There was nothing I could say.
00:36:30It was her move.
00:36:32Vera, whatever her name was,
00:36:34it was just my luck picking her up on the road.
00:36:37It couldn't have been Helen or Mary or Evelyn or Ruth.
00:36:40It had to be the very last person I should ever have met.
00:36:44That's life.
00:36:46Whichever way you turn, fate sticks out a foot to trip you.
00:36:51I told her everything, but she didn't believe my story.
00:36:54I should have saved my breath.
00:36:56That's the greatest cock and bull story I ever heard.
00:36:58So he fell out of his car.
00:37:00Say, who do you think you're talking to, a hick?
00:37:02Listen, mister, I've been around,
00:37:04and I know a wrong guy when I see one.
00:37:06What'd you do, kiss him with a wrench?
00:37:08Now, wait a minute.
00:37:09What I told you was true.
00:37:10You see, that's why I had to do it.
00:37:12You think I killed him.
00:37:13Well, the cops would have thought so, too.
00:37:15Yeah, well, maybe they still think so.
00:37:17What makes you so sure I'll shut up about this?
00:37:19Girl, I'm innocent.
00:37:21Give me a break, will you?
00:37:24It won't do me any good having you pinched.
00:37:26The cops are no friends of mine.
00:37:28Now, if there was a reward, but there isn't.
00:37:31Thanks.
00:37:32Don't thank me yet.
00:37:34I'm not through with you by a long shot.
00:37:36Let's see that roll.
00:37:47Is that all Haskell had?
00:37:49Isn't it enough?
00:37:50No, I thought he had more.
00:37:51Not that I know of.
00:37:52You can search me if you think I'm holding out on you.
00:37:54Well, maybe I will at that.
00:37:55He told me he was going to bet $3,000
00:37:57on a horse named Paradisical on Wednesday at Santa Anita.
00:38:00He was stringing you along.
00:38:01He meant $300.
00:38:02Maybe.
00:38:03Sure, three bucks, $300.
00:38:04He was a piece of cheese, a big blowhard.
00:38:06Listen, mister, don't try and tell me anything about Charlie Haskell.
00:38:09Remember, I knew him better than you did.
00:38:11OK, then you knew he was a four-flusher.
00:38:12That explains the three grand bet.
00:38:14I'm not so sure he didn't have that three grand.
00:38:16Why should I believe you?
00:38:17You got all the earmarks of a cheap crook.
00:38:19Now, wait a minute.
00:38:20Shut up.
00:38:21You're a cheap crook, and you killed him.
00:38:23For two cents, I'd change my mind and turn you in.
00:38:25I don't like you.
00:38:26All right, all right.
00:38:27Don't get sore.
00:38:28I'm not getting sore.
00:38:29But just remember who's boss around here.
00:38:31If you shut up and don't give me any arguments,
00:38:33you'll have nothing to worry about.
00:38:34But if you act wise, well, mister, you'll pop into jail so fast
00:38:37it'll give you the bends.
00:38:38I'm not arguing.
00:38:39Well, see that you don't.
00:38:40You know, as crooked as you look, I'd
00:38:42hate to see a fella as young as you wind up
00:38:44Haven't you given that perfume that Arizona
00:38:46hands out free to murderers?
00:38:47I'm not a murderer.
00:38:48Of course you're not.
00:38:49Haskell knocked his own head off.
00:38:50He fell.
00:38:51That's how it happened, just like I told you.
00:38:52Sure, and then he made you a present of his belongings.
00:38:54I explained why I had to do that.
00:38:55Oh, skip it.
00:38:56It doesn't make a difference one way or another.
00:38:58I'm not a mourner.
00:38:59I liked Haskell even less than I like you.
00:39:01Yeah, I saw what you did to him.
00:39:03What do you mean?
00:39:04Well, scratches on his wrist.
00:39:05Sure, I scratched him.
00:39:07Well, so you did.
00:39:09So your idea was to drive the car a little way,
00:39:12maybe into San Bernardino, and then leave it.
00:39:14You weren't going to sell it?
00:39:15Sell it?
00:39:16You think I'm crazy?
00:39:17Somebody else's car?
00:39:18Say, all I want to do is leave it somewhere
00:39:20and forget I ever saw it.
00:39:21Not only don't you have any scruples,
00:39:23you don't have any brains.
00:39:24I don't get you.
00:39:25Maybe it's a good thing you met me.
00:39:27You'd have got yourself caught, sure.
00:39:29Why, you dope.
00:39:30Don't you know a deserted automobile
00:39:31always rates an investigation?
00:39:33Huh?
00:39:34Look, the cops find a car.
00:39:36Then they get curious.
00:39:37They wonder where the owner is.
00:39:39So all right, they don't trace Haskell.
00:39:41They trace you.
00:39:42I never thought of that.
00:39:44The only safe way to get rid of the car
00:39:46is to sell it to a dealer.
00:39:47Get it registered under a new name.
00:39:49Say, stop at the next store.
00:39:50I want to get a bottle and do some shopping
00:39:52before we hit LA.
00:39:53OK.
00:39:54As soon as we find a place, I'll drop you off
00:39:56and pick you up later.
00:39:57Nothing doing.
00:39:58You're coming in too.
00:39:59From now on, you and I are like the Siamese twins.
00:40:02Yeah, but your way.
00:40:03I don't get the point.
00:40:04The point is, I don't want you to get lost.
00:40:06I'm not going to beat it if that's what you're afraid of.
00:40:08I'll say you're not.
00:40:09Well, I'm going to see that you sell this car
00:40:11so you don't get caught.
00:40:12Thanks.
00:40:13Of course, your interest wouldn't be financial, would it?
00:40:16You wouldn't want a small percentage of the profits.
00:40:19Well, now that you insist, how can I refuse?
00:40:22100% will do.
00:40:24Fine.
00:40:25I'm relieved.
00:40:26I thought for a moment you were going to take it all.
00:40:28I don't want to be a hog.
00:40:31A few hours later, we were in Hollywood.
00:40:33And I was recognizing places Sue had written about.
00:40:36It struck me that far from being at the end of the trip,
00:40:39there was a greater distance between Sue and me
00:40:41than when I started out.
00:40:43Vera wasn't kidding with that Siamese twins crack.
00:40:47She rented a little apartment as Mrs. Charles Haskell.
00:40:51When I objected to this, she explained
00:40:53that it was on account of the car.
00:40:55A dealer might think something was funny
00:40:57if he called and found we were using different names.
00:41:04Home, sweet home.
00:41:05Yeah.
00:41:06Not bad either.
00:41:15In case there's any doubt in your mind, I'll take the bedroom.
00:41:18Yeah.
00:41:20Sure is stuffy in here.
00:41:30Keep the windows shut.
00:41:31Okay.
00:41:32The old crow downstairs said there's
00:41:34a folding bed behind this door.
00:41:42You know how to work it?
00:41:47I invented it.
00:41:52Some joint.
00:41:53One can't have everything.
00:41:55I'm first in the bathtub.
00:41:57I don't know why, but I figured you would be.
00:42:10Boy, oh, boy.
00:42:12It sure feels good to be clean again.
00:42:15I must be 10 pounds lighter.
00:42:17Well, hitching rides isn't exactly the way
00:42:19you keep your schoolgirl complexion.
00:42:25I wish that guy with the sacks would give up.
00:42:28Gets on my nerves.
00:42:32Forget it.
00:42:36Have a drink.
00:42:41I'll be right back.
00:42:47Aren't you afraid I might take you up on it?
00:42:51If I didn't want to give you a drink,
00:42:52I wouldn't have offered it.
00:42:54Why be a sore head, Roberts?
00:42:56You got yourself into this thing.
00:42:59You should be grateful I'm not turning you in.
00:43:01Why, if I wasn't regular, you'd be in the pen this minute,
00:43:04being photographed, fingerprinted, and being
00:43:06pushed around by the cops.
00:43:08So cheer up.
00:43:09Get rid of that long puss.
00:43:12Or is your conscience bothering you?
00:43:18No.
00:43:20It isn't.
00:43:21Swell.
00:43:22That's the spirit.
00:43:24He's dead, and no moment around will bring him back.
00:43:30Anyway, I never could understand this worrying about something
00:43:33that's over and done with.
00:43:34Now look, Vera, for the last time, I didn't kill him.
00:43:36Pascal was a sick man.
00:43:37Maybe he was dead before he fell out of the car.
00:43:39I don't know.
00:43:40Sure, sure.
00:43:41He died of old age.
00:43:43All right.
00:43:46So it'll make you sociable?
00:43:49You didn't kill him.
00:44:01Thanks.
00:44:03We're out of liquor, Roberts.
00:44:05Yeah.
00:44:07Too bad.
00:44:08I felt like getting tight tonight.
00:44:10Well, I think you succeeded.
00:44:13Am I tight?
00:44:14As a prima donna's corset.
00:44:16That's good.
00:44:17I wanted to get tight.
00:44:19Why?
00:44:20What have you got to get tight about?
00:44:22Oh, I don't know.
00:44:23I don't know.
00:44:24I don't know.
00:44:25I don't know.
00:44:26I don't know.
00:44:27I don't know.
00:44:28I don't know.
00:44:29I don't know.
00:44:30I don't know.
00:44:31Oh, I don't know.
00:44:33A few things.
00:44:37You should have my worries.
00:44:39If I had your troubles, I'd stay sober.
00:44:41And I've got the key to that door.
00:44:46Yeah.
00:44:48Maybe you're right.
00:44:49I'm always right.
00:44:52You know, I don't like your attitude, Roberts.
00:44:55Well, there's a lot of things I don't like.
00:44:58Sure.
00:45:02But life's like a ball game.
00:45:04You've got to take a swing at whatever comes along
00:45:06before you wake up and find it's a ninth inning.
00:45:09You read that somewhere?
00:45:10That's the truth, Roberts.
00:45:11All you do is bellyache.
00:45:14Taking it easy and trying to make the best of things.
00:45:18Maybe that's what's wrong with the whole world.
00:45:20Get the professor.
00:45:22People knock themselves out trying to buck fate.
00:45:25Now, take you, for instance.
00:45:26You're lucky to be alive.
00:45:28Why, suppose Haskell had opened your door?
00:45:30You'd be playing a harp now.
00:45:32Think of that.
00:45:34You think of it.
00:45:36I'm tired of thinking.
00:45:38There's plenty of people dying this minute.
00:45:41I would give anything to trade places with you.
00:45:45I know what I'm talking about.
00:45:48I'm not so sure.
00:45:50At least they know they're done for.
00:45:52They don't have to sweat blood wondering if they are.
00:45:56Your philosophy stinks, pal.
00:45:59We all know we're going to kick off someday.
00:46:01It's only a question of when.
00:46:04But what got us on this subject anyway?
00:46:07We'll be discussing politics next.
00:46:10Yeah.
00:46:12Where'd you hide the butts?
00:46:15On the table, sucker.
00:46:24We bored each other with conversation
00:46:26for a couple of hours longer.
00:46:28Every five minutes,
00:46:29one of us was wishing we had another bottle
00:46:31or a radio or something to read.
00:46:34Then finally, we ran out of chat.
00:46:37I know it's only 11 o'clock,
00:46:38but I want to get up early
00:46:39and make the rounds of the used car lots.
00:46:41No hurry about that.
00:46:42We've got all the time in the world.
00:46:44Maybe you have,
00:46:45but if you think I want to stay cooped up in this place
00:46:46any longer than I have to, you're batty.
00:46:48It's not a bad place.
00:46:49Paid plenty for diggings like this in New York.
00:46:51I wouldn't like it if it was the Ritz.
00:46:55You brought me liquor.
00:46:57You got a mean cough.
00:46:58Ought to do something about it.
00:47:00I'll be all right.
00:47:01That's what Camille said.
00:47:03Who?
00:47:05Nobody you know.
00:47:10Wasn't that the day in the diet of consumption?
00:47:12Yeah.
00:47:13Wouldn't it be a break for you if I did kick off?
00:47:16You'd be free with all Haskell's dough and car.
00:47:19I don't want to see anybody die.
00:47:22Not even me?
00:47:24Especially not you.
00:47:25One person died in me.
00:47:27If you did, well, that's all I need.
00:47:31You don't like me, do you, Roberts?
00:47:35Like you?
00:47:37I love you.
00:47:40My favorite sport is being kept prisoner.
00:47:43After we sell the car,
00:47:44you can go to Blazers for all I care,
00:47:46but not until then.
00:47:53I'm going to bed.
00:48:04Good night, Roberts.
00:48:05Don't try and sneak away during the night.
00:48:07All the doors are locked.
00:48:08Anyway, if I find you gone in the morning,
00:48:10I'll notify the police.
00:48:12They'll pick you up.
00:48:13Don't worry.
00:48:14I know when I'm in a spot.
00:48:16Well, good night.
00:48:17I hope that portable rack isn't too uncomfortable for you.
00:48:20Don't lose any sleep over it, will you, Pearl?
00:48:50Chris Few.
00:48:53Six.
00:48:55Five.
00:48:57Seven.
00:48:59Two.
00:49:00Three.
00:49:03Hello?
00:49:05Hello?
00:49:07Hello?
00:49:09Hello?
00:49:11Hello?
00:49:13Hello?
00:49:15Hello?
00:49:17Hello?
00:49:19Hello?
00:49:21Hello?
00:49:29No.
00:49:31Not yet, darling.
00:49:34Tomorrow.
00:49:36Maybe.
00:49:41If this were fiction,
00:49:42I would fall in love with Vera,
00:49:44marry her and make a respectable woman of her,
00:49:46or else she'd make some supreme class A sacrifice for me
00:49:49and die.
00:49:51Sue and I would bawl a little over her grave
00:49:54and make some crack about there's good in all of us.
00:49:57But Vera, unfortunately,
00:49:59was just as rotten in the morning as she'd been the night before.
00:50:04All right, all right, I'm coming.
00:50:06Look, Vera, it's almost noon.
00:50:09So what?
00:50:10The dealers will be there all day?
00:50:12They'll be there all year, too, but it doesn't wait that long.
00:50:14Shut up. You make us like a husband.
00:50:19Well, do I rate a whistle?
00:50:21You sure do, but let's go.
00:50:23Let's go, let's go.
00:50:24I spend 85 bucks and two hours preparing bait,
00:50:26and all you can say is let's go.
00:50:30Come on.
00:50:36We've had a few used car lots last night down this way.
00:50:38What do you think we can get for this heap?
00:50:40I don't know. Plenty.
00:50:42We handle everything.
00:50:44Think we can get $2,000?
00:50:45I don't know, but don't worry.
00:50:47I'll squeeze as much out of this guy as I can.
00:50:49I'll let it go cheap without a fight.
00:50:51He might think we've stolen the car.
00:50:53And listen, don't make any slips and call me Roberts.
00:50:56That'll cook us.
00:50:57I don't need you to tell me that.
00:50:59You better just sit by and keep your mouth closed.
00:51:01Remember, we're both in this soup if anything happens.
00:51:03Forget it and drive.
00:51:05You're my wife, Vera Haskell.
00:51:07Look, after the deal's closed,
00:51:09let's go back to that place on Hollywood Boulevard
00:51:11where I saw the fur jacket.
00:51:13I want to buy it.
00:51:14After the deal's closed, I'm saying goodbye to you.
00:51:17That's right. I forgot.
00:51:19I guess I'm getting kind of used to you.
00:51:21Well, that's a habit you can start breaking.
00:51:24Let's try this place in the middle of the block.
00:51:32Good afternoon. What can I do for you?
00:51:34We're interested in selling a car.
00:51:36If the price is right.
00:51:39Well, if it's in good mechanical condition,
00:51:41it should blue book for about $1,600.
00:51:44Tony, take a look at this motor.
00:51:46$1,600? Are you kidding?
00:51:59Well, maybe $1,850.
00:52:01Before I let it go for $1,850,
00:52:03I'll wreck it and collect the insurance first.
00:52:09Indy, this motor's seen a lot of driving.
00:52:18Well, the mechanic inspected the car.
00:52:20We haggled.
00:52:22At last, when we were all worn out,
00:52:24we hit a compromise.
00:52:25His price.
00:52:30Okay, it's a deal.
00:52:31All right, come in. We'll sign the papers.
00:52:33I have the ownership papers right here with me.
00:52:35Look, Vera, in the meantime,
00:52:36will you clean the dash compartment?
00:52:38There may be some stuff in it.
00:52:39All right, darling.
00:52:43$1,850.
00:52:45That dirty crook.
00:52:54In New York, huh?
00:52:55Yeah.
00:52:56But you bought the car in Miami?
00:52:58Yeah.
00:52:59Well, let's see about the insurance.
00:53:01We can either have it transferred or canceled.
00:53:03Uh, what kind of insurance do you have, Mr. Haskell?
00:53:07Well, uh, aren't all the papers there?
00:53:12I don't see any.
00:53:14Surely you know what type of insurance you carry in the car.
00:53:16The name of the company?
00:53:18Yeah, but, uh...
00:53:20Well, if you'll just tell me the name of the company,
00:53:22I'd be very glad to take care of all the details.
00:53:24Well...
00:53:25Did you sign the papers yet?
00:53:26Not yet.
00:53:27Well, don't.
00:53:28We're not selling the car.
00:53:29Well, wait a minute, Mrs. Haskell.
00:53:30Come on, darling.
00:53:31What's the matter?
00:53:32Did you change your mind?
00:53:33Yes, I'm sorry.
00:53:34I guess I have.
00:53:35But, Vera...
00:53:36Let's go.
00:53:42You got me out of a tight spot, Vera.
00:53:44But I still don't understand all this.
00:53:46You will in a minute.
00:53:47I almost threw away a gold mine.
00:53:491,850 isn't to be sneezed at.
00:53:51The car doesn't book for as much as I thought.
00:53:53We're not selling the car.
00:53:54You want to keep it.
00:53:55Now, wait a minute, Vera.
00:53:56You said yourself I wouldn't be safe
00:53:58until the car was in someone else's name.
00:54:00I'll be free of this mess when I go.
00:54:01That's just it, Roberts.
00:54:02You're not going.
00:54:05There's a driver in the next corner.
00:54:06Pull in there and we'll get a bite to eat.
00:54:07And I'll explain.
00:54:09What is this?
00:54:10Another one of your brilliant ideas?
00:54:17Hello.
00:54:18May I take your order?
00:54:19Make mine a ham sandwich and coffee.
00:54:20And for you, sir?
00:54:21Oh, I don't care.
00:54:22The same.
00:54:31Get this, Vera.
00:54:32I've been pretty patient so far.
00:54:34I've done everything you asked me to do, but no more.
00:54:36Shut up.
00:54:37You've taken Haskell's money.
00:54:38And you can have the dough we get from selling the car.
00:54:40But you're not going to keep me a prisoner.
00:54:42It's a good thing I bought the paper.
00:54:43Take a look at that.
00:54:44Vera, I'm in no mood.
00:54:45Read that.
00:54:56No.
00:54:57Yes.
00:54:58No, I won't do it.
00:54:59Yes, you will.
00:55:00You think I'm crazy?
00:55:01It's impossible, I tell you.
00:55:03Excuse me.
00:55:09Blow the horn when you're through.
00:55:14No one could possibly get away with an act like that.
00:55:16He'll be wise to me in a minute.
00:55:17Don't be yellow.
00:55:18You look enough like him.
00:55:19The same coloring and the same build.
00:55:21See how his clothes fit you?
00:55:23No kidding, you almost had me fooled for a while.
00:55:25Oh, grow up, Vera.
00:55:26Don't you think a father knows his own son?
00:55:28And there must be other relatives.
00:55:29The father won't have to know you.
00:55:30We'll wait till he gives up the ghost.
00:55:32He's an old geezer and he won't pull through.
00:55:34And as far as other relatives are concerned,
00:55:36they haven't seen you in 15 or 20 years.
00:55:39Eat.
00:55:40I'm not hungry.
00:55:42And I won't do it.
00:55:43It's not as tough as it sounds.
00:55:45Remember, you've got all kinds of identification.
00:55:47His car, letters, license.
00:55:48I could never get away with it.
00:55:49It's the stupidest thing I've ever heard.
00:55:51The old boy has scads of dough.
00:55:53Look in the paper there.
00:55:54Personal fortune assessed at over 15 million.
00:55:56He'll leave plenty, I tell you.
00:55:57Maybe he cut off his son.
00:55:58How do we know?
00:55:59It's out, Vera.
00:56:00I won't have anything to do with it.
00:56:03I think you will.
00:56:05Look, Vera.
00:56:06I'll do anything within reason.
00:56:08But not that.
00:56:09So forget it.
00:56:10Find yourself another stooge.
00:56:11You sap!
00:56:13You'll be fixed for the rest of your life as Charlie Haskell.
00:56:15You can take your inheritance and go away.
00:56:17No more worrying about the rent.
00:56:18No sweating, scheming,
00:56:19wondering where your next meal's coming from.
00:56:21Think about that, Roberts!
00:56:22Vera.
00:56:23Please, you're talking too loud.
00:56:25Unless I'm splitting 50-50 with you.
00:56:27Sure, why not?
00:56:28We're both alike.
00:56:29Both born in the same gutter.
00:56:30Now take it easy, Vera.
00:56:31There's people around here.
00:56:32You don't know what you're talking about.
00:56:34Well, wait till we read that old man Haskell's dead.
00:56:37Then you show up.
00:56:38Like you read in New York that he was sick.
00:56:41No.
00:56:42Suppose he doesn't die?
00:56:43He will.
00:56:44I know he will.
00:56:45Something tells me.
00:56:48But as much as I insisted I would have no part of her scheme,
00:56:51Vera was taking it for granted I would.
00:56:55Neither of us had our mind on the cards as we played that night.
00:56:58I knew we were just trying to kill time between newspaper editions.
00:57:02This was a death watch for Vera.
00:57:05Maybe it was for me, too.
00:57:07Don't you realize if I'm caught,
00:57:09they'll want to know where I got the car and stuff,
00:57:11and they'll have me on a murder charge.
00:57:12If you're smart, you won't get caught.
00:57:14I knock with seven.
00:57:15And if I'm caught, don't you realize you'll be out too?
00:57:1818 points, that gives me 30.
00:57:22How will I be out?
00:57:24You'll be out $1,850 we would have gotten on the car.
00:57:27Really, Vera, you'd be an awful chump
00:57:28if you threw away all that dough in a dizzy long shot.
00:57:30Let me sell the bus tomorrow.
00:57:32With the money it'll bring and what you've already got,
00:57:33a clever kid like you can run it up in no time.
00:57:35Then we'd both be in the clear.
00:57:36I'll be in the clear anyway.
00:57:38Maybe.
00:57:39Maybe.
00:57:40But if I got caught,
00:57:42I'd get good and sore too, you know.
00:57:44You mean you'd squeal?
00:57:45Well, no, not squeal exactly.
00:57:46Never mind what you meant.
00:57:49Even if you did tell the cops I was in on it with you,
00:57:52what could they do to me?
00:57:54They might give me the same medicine they gave you.
00:57:56Yeah.
00:57:57A rope.
00:58:01But I'm on my way anyhow.
00:58:05All I'll be doing will be rushing it.
00:58:07All right.
00:58:08But think of the $1,850 you'd lose.
00:58:10You'd kick yourself along the block
00:58:11if they let it get away from you.
00:58:12I'll take the chance.
00:58:14Want another drink?
00:58:15You're being a goon.
00:58:16That's the way people wind up behind the eight ball.
00:58:18Once they get a few dollars,
00:58:19they become greedy and want more.
00:58:21My, my.
00:58:22Caesar.
00:58:23Who?
00:58:24You know that Roman general?
00:58:25He got his for being greedy.
00:58:26He wasn't satisfied,
00:58:27so the final wind-up was he took the count.
00:58:29A couple of days ago, you didn't have a dime.
00:58:32While you were so broke,
00:58:33you couldn't pay cash for a postage stamp.
00:58:35Now you've got almost $700 with $1,850 in the offing.
00:58:38Take my advice.
00:58:39Don't try for more.
00:58:40I'm tired of this game.
00:58:41Let's have some blackjack.
00:58:42Play solitaire.
00:58:43Okay, I will if that's the way you feel about it.
00:58:45That's the way I feel about it.
00:58:46Getting sore and throwing things won't help much, Roberts.
00:58:48I'm merely doing you a favor.
00:58:50I've been jammed by keeping my mouth shut.
00:58:51I'll show you how to make some soft money.
00:58:53And what thanks do I get?
00:58:54Thanks?
00:58:55Sure.
00:58:56I would rather call the cops and tell them
00:58:57you killed a man and stole his money.
00:58:58I didn't kill anybody.
00:58:59Yes, you did.
00:59:00No, I didn't.
00:59:01You know I didn't.
00:59:02All right, then.
00:59:05Suppose I call the cops.
00:59:07If you're innocent, what do you got to be scared of?
00:59:09Okay.
00:59:10Call them, you mud.
00:59:11Go ahead and call them.
00:59:12See if I care.
00:59:13At least they'll give me a square deal.
00:59:15You want me to call them?
00:59:16You heard me.
00:59:17But I'm warning you.
00:59:18If I'm pinched, I'll swear you were in on it.
00:59:20I'll say that you helped me.
00:59:21If I fry, I'll get even with you.
00:59:23You wouldn't dare, you chicken.
00:59:25Yeah?
00:59:26Then try it and see.
00:59:28Call them.
00:59:29Yeah.
00:59:30Okay, I will.
00:59:44Information?
00:59:46I want the number of the Hollywood police station.
00:59:51Okay, I got it.
00:59:52Thanks.
00:59:56Wait a minute, Vera.
00:59:57You wouldn't do that.
00:59:58Who wouldn't?
00:59:59I'll show you if I would.
01:00:00Take it easy now.
01:00:01Let's talk this over.
01:00:02This was early in the evening.
01:00:03And the conversation, while hectic,
01:00:05was at least pitched low.
01:00:07But as the minutes passed,
01:00:09and more obstacles to her plan popped into my head,
01:00:12the air got blue.
01:00:14Each word coming from our lips cracked like a whip.
01:00:17I reminded her that as Charles Haskell,
01:00:19I didn't even know my mother's name,
01:00:21where I'd gone to school,
01:00:23the name of my best friend,
01:00:25whether I had an Aunt Emma or not,
01:00:27my religion,
01:00:28and if I'd ever owned a dog.
01:00:30I didn't even know what my middle initial stood for.
01:00:33I also pointed out that the real Haskell
01:00:35had a scar on his forearm.
01:00:37His people never saw that scar.
01:00:39He told me he ran away right after putting out the kid's eye.
01:00:41Yeah, but his father knew he was cut.
01:00:43That's kind of a mark.
01:00:44So what?
01:00:46The old man's dead or will be,
01:00:48I hope, by tomorrow morning's papers.
01:00:50Anyway, you could cut yourself a little, couldn't you?
01:00:54Boy, for that kind of dough,
01:00:56I'd let you cut my leg off.
01:00:58You're drunk and you're crazy mad, Vera.
01:01:00Turn me in if you want to, but I won't get mixed up in this.
01:01:02Besides, how do we know Haskell was such a phony?
01:01:04Maybe he wasn't the man's son at all.
01:01:05Maybe he just dreamed it up.
01:01:06Well, dream it or not,
01:01:08you won't be dreaming when the law taps you on the shoulder.
01:01:11There's a cute little gas chamber waiting for you, Roberts.
01:01:15And I hear extradition to Arizona's a cinch.
01:01:18Where's that phone?
01:01:20Vera!
01:01:21Leave me alone!
01:01:22Vera!
01:01:23I want a phone call!
01:01:24Police!
01:01:26I hate you.
01:01:28You're a stinker.
01:01:29You leave me alone!
01:01:30I'll let you alone when you promise to leave the phone where it is.
01:01:32You're drunk.
01:01:33You don't know what you're doing.
01:01:34You're hurting me.
01:01:35Will you promise?
01:01:36All right.
01:01:42You hurt me.
01:01:44I'm sorry, but...
01:01:45And it's hot in here.
01:01:46Open up a window.
01:01:47It's not hot.
01:01:48Don't tell me.
01:01:49Now, do you do it or do I do it?
01:01:53You're an old gentleman, see?
01:01:55Yeah.
01:01:56All right.
01:01:57I'll open up the window.
01:02:01Vera!
01:02:07Vera, open the door.
01:02:08Please open the door.
01:02:09Vera, open the door.
01:02:10Vera, open the door.
01:02:11Don't use the phone.
01:02:12Listen to me.
01:02:13I don't like you, Robert.
01:02:15You're an old gentleman, see?
01:02:17You hurt my hand.
01:02:19And I'm going to get even with you.
01:02:21If you don't open the door, I'm going to kick it down, Vera.
01:02:24Vera, don't call the cops.
01:02:25Listen to me.
01:02:26I'll do anything you say.
01:02:28Vera, let me in.
01:02:31I'll break the phone.
01:02:40Vera.
01:03:10The world is full of skeptics.
01:03:13I know.
01:03:14I'm one myself.
01:03:16In the Haskell business, how many of you would believe he fell out of the car?
01:03:19And now, after killing Vera without really meaning to do it,
01:03:22how many of you would believe it wasn't premeditated?
01:03:25In a jury room, every last man of you would go down shouting that she had me over a barrel
01:03:30and my only out was force.
01:03:34The room was still.
01:03:36So quiet that for a while, I wondered if I had suddenly gone deaf.
01:03:39It was pure fear, of course.
01:03:41And I was hysterical.
01:03:43But without making a sound.
01:03:46Vera was dead.
01:03:48And I was her murderer.
01:03:50Murderer.
01:03:52What an awful word that is.
01:03:54But I'd become one.
01:03:55I'd better not get caught.
01:03:57What evidence there was around the place had to be destroyed.
01:04:00And from the looks of things, there was plenty.
01:04:02Looking around the room at things we'd bought was like looking into the faces of a hundred people
01:04:05who'd seen us together and who remembered me.
01:04:08This was the kind of testimony I couldn't rub out.
01:04:12No.
01:04:13I could burn clothes and hide bottles for the next five years.
01:04:16There'd always be witnesses.
01:04:18The landlady, for one.
01:04:19She could identify me.
01:04:20The car dealer, the waitress in the drive-in, the girl in the dress shop,
01:04:22and that guy in the liquor store.
01:04:24It could all identify me.
01:04:27I was cooked.
01:04:29Done for.
01:04:30I had to get out of there.
01:04:32While once I'd remained beside a dead body,
01:04:35planning carefully how to avoid being accused of killing him,
01:04:38this time I couldn't.
01:04:40This time I was guilty.
01:04:43I knew it.
01:04:44I felt it.
01:04:46I was like a guy suffering from shock.
01:04:49Things were whirling around in my head.
01:04:51I couldn't make myself think right.
01:04:53All I could think of was the guy with the saxophone and what he was playing.
01:04:57It wasn't a love song anymore.
01:05:00It was a dirge.
01:05:27But my problems weren't solved.
01:05:52I had to stay away from New York for all time.
01:05:56Al Roberts was listed as dead and had to stay dead.
01:05:59And I could never go back to Hollywood.
01:06:02Someone might recognize me as Haskell.
01:06:06Then, too, there was Sue.
01:06:10I could never go to her with a thing like this hanging over my head.
01:06:14All I could do was pray she'd be happy.
01:06:27I was in Bakersfield before I read that Vera's body was discovered,
01:06:31and that the police were looking for Haskell in connection with his wife's murder.
01:06:36Isn't that a laugh?
01:06:38Haskell got me into this mess,
01:06:40and Haskell was getting me out of it.
01:06:42The police were searching for a dead man.
01:06:48I keep trying to forget what happened
01:06:51and wonder what my life might have been if that car of Haskell's hadn't stopped.
01:06:58But one thing I don't have to wonder about.
01:07:01I know.
01:07:04Someday a car will stop to pick me up that I never thumbed.
01:07:12Yes, fate or some mysterious force
01:07:17can put the finger on you or me for no good reason at all.